For many enthusiasts, the’Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is an absolute icon of Italian automotive design. Its signature design Alfa Romeo, its limited production run of just 500 units and its Ferrari V8 engine make it a highly sought-after collector's item. However, Ben Collins, the former Stig from Top Gear, does not share this enthusiasm at all. During a lengthy interview with the YouTube channel Cars & Money, the British driver didn't hesitate to call the Italian car «the most overrated car» he had ever driven.
«A huge disappointment» despite an exceptional V8
Ben Collins does, however, acknowledge that the 8C has everything it takes to captivate at first glance. He says he was immediately won over by its design and, above all, by the sound of its naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine. «The sound is unreal—absolutely epic,» he explains. But his enthusiasm quickly faded after the first few kilometers, driven in the Swiss Alps during the filming of Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson.
According to him, the car’s handling was far from living up to its appearance. From the very first hard braking maneuver before a hairpin turn, he felt the rear end become unstable, giving the impression that the two axles were «fighting against each other.» That sensation never left him for the rest of the test drive.
The Maserati GranTurismo as a counterexample
What’s most surprising is that Ben Collins points out that the Alfa Romeo 8C and the Maserati GranTurismo share much of their technical foundation. They have the same Ferrari-Maserati V8 engine, a similar architecture, and many shared components.
Yet, according to him, the result is radically different. «If you want the successful version, go with the Maserati,» he states bluntly. He believes the GranTurismo is perfectly balanced and demonstrates that simply fine-tuning the chassis can completely transform a car. In fact, this difference in handling surprised him so much that he couldn’t believe the two models were based on such similar platforms.
Beauty alone is not enough
Across from him, the host of Cars & Money He nevertheless defends the Alfa Romeo 8C, noting that he greatly appreciates its style, its rarity, and its character. Ben Collins never questions these aesthetic qualities. He readily admits that the 8C is «magnificent» and that its engine delivers an exceptional soundtrack. But for a driver accustomed to pushing cars to their limits, that doesn’t make up for handling that he finds disappointing.
His opinion is all the more interesting given that he spent eight years behind the wheel as the Stig, putting hundreds of sports cars and supercars through their paces on the track at Top Gear. Accustomed to comparing cars under identical conditions, Collins places the utmost importance on chassis precision and dynamic balance.
In the end, his verdict is final: despite its aura and timeless design, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is, in his opinion, one of the most overrated cars he has ever driven. An opinion that is likely to draw a reaction from the many admirers of the Italian coupe, but one that also highlights the often-underestimated qualities of the Maserati GranTurismo first-generation.
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But how could you get the title wrong?
Good morning, thank you for your message. The translation of the title was indeed incorrect. I just corrected it.
The value of the 8C is due to its rarity.
Most owners are speculators, not pilots.
The Maserati is larger and has four seats.
Alfa's strategy has been baffling for the past 15 years.
Instead of making very exclusive vehicles that don't turn a profit, they'd be better off maintaining a balanced lineup: the Giulietta, the Giulia—with crossover versions if they want, but also as a low-profile sedan.
Even the Mito was nice, and would have deserved a new chassis, steering system, and transmission.
Who pushes 400- to 500-horsepower cars to the limit (of veering off the road)? Aside from drivers like the Stig… Honestly, with this 8C, Alfa had achieved perfection, combining captivating beauty, exceptional sound, and pure engineering. Everything else is superfluous… In my opinion, it was and remains the most beautiful GT of the 21st century, along with the 33 Stradale. So what if it doesn’t handle well on the track? But personally, I’d never take it to the track. I’d much rather cruise around Portofino with my wife, making it roar in front of the onlookers! (The car… 😉 )
I saw her right there in Portofino—she has a unique sound!
Top Answer;
…I don’t know what possessed Stig to write such nonsense. There’s something else entirely behind this—something only he can know—and he’s trying to discredit Alfa Romeo in this underhanded way. It’s just disgusting. ❗
If you've driven the 8C and have also driven other sports cars in that class
(especially Maserati), then you really appreciate the 8C—and realize that the Stig is spouting utter nonsense.
By the way, it's common knowledge among sports car enthusiasts that Alfa Romeo, in particular, builds the best suspensions; this is recognized worldwide and proven in practice. ‼️ ❤️🍀👌🏻
Another Top Gear idiot declared the Maserati Ghibli the best car ever on the same day. "Most underrated"—original quote. I'm not watching that. Even that gay guy Ralf Schumacher is less embarrassing than this crap.